flattery

noun

flat·​tery ˈfla-tə-rē 

plural flatteries

1

a

: the act or practice of flattering

She uses the art of flattery to her advantage.

b(1)

: something that flatters

A compliment is flattery …

—Harry Shaw

(2)

: insincere or excessive praise

He tried to win his teacher's favor with flattery.

2

obsolete : a pleasing self-deception

Synonyms of flattery

• praise
• butter
• adulation
• acclaim
• adoration
• sweet talk

Examples of flattery in a Sentence

He tried to win his teacher's favor with flattery.

a talk show host who is known for charming her guests with disingenuous flattery

Recent Examples on the Web

Sanghee, who has a day job importing snacks and shoots short films in her spare time, spends two days with the family as old secrets, unsolicited advice and hollow flattery come to the surface. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 July 2026

Rutte’s approach of using flattery to win over the president prompted some to question whether this had delivered any tangible benefits for the alliance. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 9 July 2026

Fake travel email uses flattery The message says your activity placed you among a select number of loyal members. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026

The real danger is not the flattery itself. — Terry Oroszi, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

see flatter entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing flattery

• flattery will get you nowhere
• self-flattery

Rhymes for flattery

• battery
• slattery

Kids Definition

flattery

noun

flat·​tery ˈflat-ə-rē 

plural flatteries

1

: the act of flattering

2

: praise that is excessive or not sincere